News

Graduates from the Foundation’s recent intake of CashBack for Communities – Towards New Futures participants took on Police Scotland on Monday in a friendly football match at the Ibrox Community Complex to try and win back the CashBack Trophy.

Despite the Police Scotland squad taking a commanding 4-1 lead, the CashBack team were able to claw back the deficit and regain the trophy following a 6-5 victory. Post-match, the participants enjoyed an award ceremony followed by food and refreshments for both teams.

The CashBack team were also given a rousing pre-match team talk and tactics breakdown from programme participant, Scott Kidd.

The Foundation’s Cashback For Communities – Towards New Futures programme aims to re-engage people aged 16-24 with experience of the criminal justice system and help them move towards a more positive future including working, training or further education.

It is delivered in partnership with four Scottish prisons, Govan Thriving Place and a range of key community and industry partners, including Police Scotland through their Pitchin In programme.
Participant Scott had a great time at the match and on the course too. He said:

“It was difficult fitness wise but once we got going it was really good. I think the tactics worked really well in the first half and then it was more about getting back into it and then keeping it tight towards the end.”

“The programme has been really fun and it’s helped me a lot as well. It’s got me some new qualifications and helped me with my time keeping too so yeah, it’s been good.

“I’d one hundred percent recommend it to anybody that had the chance to do it.”

Cashback participants also improve their physical and mental health as part of the programme by taking part in accredited fitness and coaching sessions and a mental health first aid course.
The initiative includes a variety of formal and industry recognised awards (including utilising the Foundation’s SQA Centre status), vocational work experience and the development of core skills which greatly enhances their employment prospects and CVs.

Police Constable Stephen Canale from the National Football Information Point Scotland said:

“The Pitchin In programme provides an excellent opportunity for Police Scotland officers to engage and build relationships with our communities. Sport is a great way for developing such relationships.”

“The programme has provided inspiring and positive change for those who have previously attended.”

“It also raises awareness of issues in society which in turn gives confidence to the participants to make more informed choices.”

The Cashback programme is free and is run four days per week for eight weeks. Participants also have continued support after completion of the course to help them stay motivated and on track to achieving their goals.

CashBack for Communities is a unique Scottish Government programme which takes funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and invests them into community programmes, facilities and activities largely aimed at diverting young people at risk away from potentially criminal or anti-social behaviour.

The next free eight-week course starts on 16th October 2024. For more info contact CashBack Coordinator, Zander Carruth, via: zandercarruth@rangers.co.uk